Grammostola pulchripes Care Sheet
Welcome to the world of Eight Legged Beauties, where we turn fuzzy fear into fascination! Today we’re shining the spotlight on a gentle giant from the grasslands — Grammostola pulchripes, better known as the Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula. With its striking golden knee stripes, calm behavior, and robust build, this is one of the most beloved species in the hobby.
Meet the Species
Scientific name: Grammostola pulchripes
Common name: Chaco Golden Knee Tarantula
Type: Terrestrial / opportunistic burrower
Native to: Argentina & Paraguay grasslands (Gran Chaco region)
Adult size: ~7″ leg span (up to 7–8″ in some reports)
Temperament: Docile, calm, rarely aggressive (but skittish when disturbed)
Lifespan: Females ~15–20+ years, males ~5 years (or shorter in some sources)
Experience level: Beginner → Intermediate
Fun Fact:
It’s nicknamed “Golden Knee” because of those vivid golden bands on its leg joints — a beautiful contrast to its darker body. Also, juveniles often “push” and rearrange substrate, making little tunnels or shifting soil as they settle in.
Setting Up Their Home
In the wild, G. pulchripes lives in temperate to semi-arid grasslands with seasonal rainfall, burrows or hides under roots and debris, and tolerates moderate changes in humidity.
Enclosure Tips
• For spiderlings: Use a small acrylic box, ~3× leg span wide.
• For juveniles: Medium terrestrial enclosure, width ~3–4× leg span.
• For adults: Larger terrestrial setup, width ~3–4× (or more) leg span; height kept modest to avoid fall risk.
• Orientation: Wider than tall — emphasizes horizontal space over height.
• Security: Ensure a tight-fitting lid, well-drilled ventilation holes; these spiders can be escape artists.
Substrate
Use about ½ to ⅔ of the enclosure depth of:
Organic topsoil / Terra Aranea (or similar mix)
Keep it firm but diggable
For slings: maintain one slightly damp corner; for adults: mostly dry with a moist retreat zone
Add a hide like cork bark, a fake plant, or half a flowerpot. A shallow water dish is essential, even if rarely used.
Temperature & Humidity
Setting Ideal Range Tips
Temperature 68-75°F Room temp is usually fine. Avoid heat lamps or direct sunlight.
Humidity 55-65% Keep mainly dry substrate; lightly mist or overflow water dish occasionally.
Ventilation High Proper airflow prevents mold.
Pro Tip:
Keep substrate’s lower layers a bit damp but let the top layer dry — it gives your tarantula options to pick its comfort zone and mimics natural ground layering.
Feeding Time
Spiderlings
Feed 2× per week
Pinhead crickets, fruit flies, or tiny roaches
Remove uneaten prey after 24 hours
Juveniles
Feed every 7–10 days
2–3 small crickets or one medium roach
Adults
Feed every 2–3 weeks
4–5 large crickets or one adult Dubia roach
Tip:
A healthy tarantula’s abdomen should be roughly the same width as its carapace.
Too plump = overfed. Too thin = time for a snack.
After a molt, always wait until the fangs are black again before offering food.
(Usually 24–48 hrs for slings, up to a week or more for adults.)
Behavior & Temperament
G. pulchripes is known for its gentle nature and tolerance — one of the more “hands-off friendly” species.
• Spiderlings: More skittish and likely to burrow or hide when disturbed
• Adults: Calm in demeanor, will often remain in view or retreat to hides rather than show aggression
• Handling: Often tolerated better than many tarantulas, though handling should still be minimal and careful
Observation tip:
When you see substrate rearranged, blocked hides, or extra digging/“shoving” of dirt, your tarantula is either settling in or preparing for a molt. Give it space, and avoid opening the enclosure during these times.
Common Challenges
Too damp: Mold and mites increase ventilation
Too dry: Dehydration or failed molts
Overfeeding: Lethargy or injury from bloated abdomen
Frequent handling: Stress and hair kicking
Also watch for escape attempts; this species is fast and can dart out if the lid isn't secure.
Final Thoughts
The Chaco Golden Knee (Grammostola pulchripes) is a favorite among keepers for good reason: stunning looks, docile temperament, and hardiness make it a wonderful choice (especially for beginners). With the right setup — stable temps, moderate humidity, deep substrate, and a calm approach — this species can thrive and bring years of fascination to your collection.